The Best Netflix Series With Just A Single Season

Summary

Shows with a single season can deliver compelling stories effectively in a concise manner.
Single-series Netflix shows like “Unbelievable” and “When They See Us” tackle sensitive topics with depth and nuance.
Limited series like “The Queen’s Gambit” and “The Get Down” received critical acclaim despite having only one season.

Some series can span numerous years, while others may only last for a single season. A variety of factors can contribute to a show’s short lifespan. In some instances, it’s due to insufficient viewer interest over time, and in other cases, it’s because they don’t receive adequate marketing support, which hinders their ability to grow an essential audience.

As a film enthusiast, I’m sharing my thoughts on some exceptional one-season Netflix series that have left viewers yearning for more. These shows manage to tell compelling stories in a concise manner within just one season, while others skillfully maintain intrigue by leaving the narrative unresolved, inviting the audience to imagine what transpires next. Here’s a rundown of the finest standalone Netflix series that have truly captivated audiences.

8. Anatomy Of A Scandal

Starring Sienna Miller, Rupert Friend, and Michelle Dockery

In this political drama, inspired by a book sharing the same title, we delve into the complex world where personal and professional scandals collide. The narrative revolves around James Whitehouse, a British Member of Parliament, who finds himself in hot water when a fellow politician alleges sexual misconduct against him. As events unfold, tensions rise as Whitehouse’s wife struggles to believe her husband’s account compared to the accusations, causing doubts about incidents from their college days, more than two decades ago, to resurface.

In the show, both Sienna Miller and Rupert Friend received high praise for their acting skills, and it’s evident that they make a dynamic duo as they keep viewers engaged with their intriguing on-screen partnership. The production also garnered recognition for tackling important topics such as consent, privilege, and power dynamics.

7. The Queen’s Gambit

Starring Anya Taylor-Joy

The television series “The Queen’s Gambit” follows the journey of Beth Harmon, a gifted orphaned chess player in 1960s America, who strives to excel in the predominantly male chess community while battling substance abuse issues. Consisting of seven episodes, this series was intentionally structured as a limited production and is adapted from the novel bearing the same title, published in 1983.

The production garnered widespread praise, particularly for Anya Taylor-Joy’s portrayal of Beth. It achieved top ratings on IMDb and amassed an impressive collection of awards, including eleven Emmys, two Golden Globes, and two Critics’ Choice accolades.

6. The Society

Starring Kathryn Newton, Olivia DeJonge, Toby Wallace, Alex Fitzalan, and Kristine Frøseth

The narrative unfolds around a band of high school students, who upon returning from a school outing, discover that everyone else in their quaint Connecticut community is mysteriously absent. Cut off from the outside world and clueless about the cause of this strange occurrence, these young individuals must collaborate to establish a self-sustaining society while diligently seeking answers as to why their loved ones vanished.

The society received acclaim for its exploration of ethics and morality, skillfully interweaving standard teen drama storylines with the weighty themes of the group’s seclusion and increased responsibility. Regrettably, the series was terminated because of production complications caused by COVID-19, resulting in several plot threads remaining inconclusive.

5. Unbelievable

Starring Kaitlyn Dever, Toni Collette, and Merritt Wever

Remarkable is the narrative of a young woman under suspicion for fabricating a rape claim, and the two detectives who endeavor to ascertain the facts. During their investigation, they stumble upon a series of similar occurrences, deepening the enigma surrounding the alleged incident. The series garnered acclaim for its acting and the delicate manner in which it tackled a challenging subject matter.

In terms of accolades, “Unbelievable” reached its zenith by securing the esteemed Peabody Award in the realm of entertainment. It garnered an impressive 83 score on Metacritic.

4. Bodyguard

Starring Richard Madden, Keeley Hawes, and Sophie Rundle

The television series under discussion, titled “Bodyguard,” is a suspenseful British production centered around an ex-military officer turned police officer who assumes the role of protector for a politically contentious figure. Despite its widespread acclaim among viewers, experts in intelligence have pointed out that the dynamic between the main characters would be deemed unconventional and potentially inappropriate in real-life professional settings. First airing on BBC, this series has since been made accessible to global audiences through Netflix.

1. The show earned an 8.1 rating on IMDb, Richard Madden garnered a Golden Globe for his role, and it was additionally nominated for multiple BAFTA accolades, underscoring its success in the tense thriller genre. (or)

2. With an impressive 8.1 score on IMDb, Richard Madden clinched a Golden Globe for his performance, and the suspenseful drama received numerous BAFTA nominations, indicating its notable achievement in the thriller category.

3. Godless

Starring Jeff Daniels, Michelle Dockery, and Jack O’Connell

For fans of classic Westerns, “Godless” is an excellent option, blending traditional motifs with innovative concepts. The plot revolves around a fugitive finding sanctuary in a New Mexico town predominantly inhabited by women. His journey is one of redemption and fortitude.

The godless series was highly admired for its stunning visuals and remarkable acting. This production features a lineup of talented actors recognized from other hit shows; Michelle Dockery, famed from the historical drama Downton Abbey, and Jack O’Connell, known for his role in the critically acclaimed teen series Skins. Moreover, Jeff Daniels and Merritt Wever were awarded Emmys for their exceptional performances within this show.

2. The Get Down

Starring Justice Smith, Shameik Moore, Giancarlo Esposito, and Jimmy Smits

Released: August 2016 – April 2017
Genre: Period Drama, Musical
Created by: Baz Luhrmann, Stephen Adly Guirgis

This little-known gem, although consisting of just eleven episodes, is brimming with action. Created by the renowned Baz Luhrmann, The Get Down delves into the story behind the birth of hip-hop in the Bronx during the late 70s. The series offers a rich tapestry of themes, encompassing music and art, poverty and crime, and the sociopolitical climate of mid-20th century America.

1. The program earned praise for its breathtaking visuals and exceptional music, including several original tracks that garnered an IMDb rating of 8.2. Notably, it was Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s initial professional acting gig, with his portrayal being remarkable. Regrettably, the series faced financial constraints and production difficulties that eventually resulted in its untimely termination.

1. When They See Us

Starring Asante Blackk, Caleel Harris, Ethan Herisse, Jharrel Jerome, and Marquis Rodriguez

2019 saw the release of a series that delved into the Central Park Five case – a group of teenagers falsely accused and convicted for an incident dating back to 1989. This show received acclaim for its insightful portrayal of the lives of these adolescents and their families, as well as how systemic racism influences the workings of the judicial system in such scenarios.

Specifically, the program garnered widespread praise due to its profound emotional content and was nominated for an impressive 16 Emmys. On IMDb, it boasts a score of 8.9 and is often recommended as essential viewing for exploring racism and injustice both within America and across the globe.

2025-01-10 10:34